automatic trans swap question and other...

[leitchfield]

hey finally starting to pull some parts together so dad has decided to convert the 3 speed on the tree to a 350 turbo automatic...i know so far i need a crossmember and a steering column, my question is what years of trucks can i rob a crossmember from and does it have to be a specific 350 trans or are the 2 speed powerglides the same mount? and i guess the steering column needs to be from a turbo350 truck because of the selector marking correct? also what years or vehicles can i rob a steering column from and make it work? linkages? etc....any help would be great guys....or send me in the right direction if there is another thread on here or a website to go to for a step by step kinda deal....ive searched and havent really found much. thanks!

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by leitchfield

hey finally starting to pull some parts together so dad has decided to convert the 3 speed on the tree to a 350 turbo automatic...i know so far i need a crossmember and a steering column, my question is what years of trucks can i rob a crossmember from and does it have to be a specific 350 trans or are the 2 speed powerglides the same mount? and i guess the steering column needs to be from a turbo350 truck because of the selector marking correct? also what years or vehicles can i rob a steering column from and make it work? linkages? etc....any help would be great guys....or send me in the right direction if there is another thread on here or a website to go to for a step by step kinda deal....ive searched and havent really found much. thanks!

The 2 speed powerglide crossmember will work. It even works for the 700R4's. You can get a column from a van. It ends right past the firewall and you can put a collapsable steering column from there to the box. The column will have to have two nuts welded on the bottom to bolt up to the bracket. I have done this and will not be using my column anymore and have been thinking about selling it..
I have also rigged up a juntion plug so the turn signals will work. This is also a tilt column.

[slepysal]

nice pic fleet side that column shaft looks nice what is it off of ? What are you looking to get for your column? PM me Thanks Sal

[our64]

I did the swap and used the original x member just welded a plate on it to accomodate the th350 rubber mount. That way it kept the original park brake stuff. Had to shorten the drive shaft. 3 years ago and it works great

[raphyel]

My cross member came out of a 67-72 with auto tranny. There are many models you can use, but thr 67-72 is a direct fit, except you will have to drill bolt holes...

[wild one]

Nice set up Fleetside! What year of a van did you get the column out of, any ideas as to what years will work? If Sal isn't interested in the column, I might be - send me a P.M.

[70 net440]

I've been thinking about puting an auto in the wife's '63 and was wondering what to do about the cross member. I have one from a '72, but didn't know what to do about the parking brake.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by 70 net440

I've been thinking about puting an auto in the wife's '63 and was wondering what to do about the cross member. I have one from a '72, but didn't know what to do about the parking brake.

If you cut the original one up and leave a tab you can drill some 3/8" holes and bolt it to the 72 corssmember and slip the bar back in.. I did it in mine but never took pictures. I still can but I have to crawl under the truck to do it. Acually with the engine and tranny out maybe i don't. I will try taking a pictrue tomorow and post them...